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Matisyahu Shaved His Beard, Says: "No More Chassidic Reggae Superstar"
By
Jen Carlson
Published Dec 13, 2011
Modified Dec 13, 2011
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Dec 13, 2011
Modified Dec 13, 2011
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Hasidic Jewish reggae performer Matisyahu shaved his beard, and announced this morning: "No more Chassidic reggae superstar." The New York-raised artist, who grew up a Reconstructionist Jew, is best known for mixing traditional Jewish themes with reggae, and sometimes rock and hip hop. But with his new look (which he posted photos of this morning along with his announcement), comes a new sound (though he's still going to Shul). His announcement read:
Sorry folks, all you get is me… no alias. When I started becoming religious 10 years ago it was a very natural and organic process. It was my choice. My journey to discover my roots and explore Jewish spirituality—not through books but through real life. At a certain point I felt the need to submit to a higher level of religiosity…to move away from my intuition and to accept an ultimate truth. I felt that in order to become a good person I needed rules—lots of them—or else I would somehow fall apart. I am reclaiming myself. Trusting my goodness and my divine mission. Get ready for an amazing year filled with music of rebirth. And for those concerned with my naked face, don’t worry… you haven’t seen the last of my facial hair
Does this mean Matisyahu is going to start rocking Fabulous Fanny frames and come out with a chillwave album?
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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